11 Renter-Friendly Decor Tricks That Will Take Your Home Up a Notch

When you’re living that #rentallife, the decor restraints can feel suffocating. You can’t drill holes, hang wallpaper, paint, swap light fixtures — the list goes on. And while there are tons of great small space hacks on the internet, sometimes you need to look at the bigger picture in terms of what you can do without cutting into that rental deposit. Scroll on for 11 ideas that are sure to spark your imagination and open your eyes to all kinds of possibilities in your soon-to-be fabulous rental.

1. Washi Tape Wallpaper: Create your own pattern and design with a few rolls of tape. Stripes are a classic, but you could also do plaid or polka dots — the sky’s the limit! (via Ann Kelle)

3. Clothing Rack: You can’t go wrong with a clothing rack when your rental has little or no closet space. Find one with a shelf so that you can also display your shoe obsession and a purse or two. (via One King’s Lane)

4. Wire Metal Kitchen Shelving: Rental kitchens are typically lackluster and only have a tiny amount of cupboard storage. To keep things organized, a simple wire shelving unit can be styled any which way. (via Better Homes and Gardens)

5. Basket Pendant Light DIY: You can buy all the lamps you want, but ceiling lights usually require wiring, which isn’t your landlord’s fave. With a pendant light and a basket, you can whip up a show-stopping fixture for your dining room or living room. (via Emily Henderson)

6. Fabric Wallpaper: Another great option for disguising ugly walls is fabric and liquid starch. It’s a budget-friendly alternative to self-adhesive wallpapers, and you aren’t limited to existing patterns since you can paint the fabric or create your own look before applying it. (via Brit + Co)

8. Removable Wallpaper Fridge Wrap: Say goodbye to stained white appliances by covering ’em in temporary wallpaper or contact paper to add a little razzle dazzle. The only tricky part will be matching the color to the rest of your setup. (via Aunt Peaches)

9. Removable Stairway Runner: Totally transform your staircase with a runner and some well-placed double-sided carpet tape. You can hide years of steps and dirt with a nice rug, and the best part is that you can take it with you when you move. (via PMQ for Two)

10. Wallpaper Fireplace Cover: You scored big with a fireplace and mantel, but if it doesn’t work you’re left with a gaping hole in your living room. Cut some particle board and cover it with wallpaper for a chic upgrade. And feel free to go crazy (read: spendy) with the pattern since it’s such a small area. (via The Hunted Interior)

11. Washi Tape Closet Door Details: The bi-fold doors in your place will look custom AF once you add gold details with tape. This gilded DIY will turn your room into a glam retreat that rivals the fanciest hotels. (via Melodrama)

Looking for more renter-friendly decor and styling tips? Follow us on Pinterest for more home decor inspo.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Ariel loves color, bold design, and eclectic decor. She goes by many names including "color decor wizard” and is also the voice behind PMQ for two (www.pmqfortwo.com) where she creates interiors and decor that are renter-friendly and creative.